Name: Emily Miethner
Age: 23
Job Title and Description: Founder and President of NY Creative Interns. We’re dedicated to finding college students and recent grads internships, mentors, and inspiration through networking and events. In less than a year we’ve become the largest intern meetup group in New York, throwing over 20 events for 1,000+ attendees. My job consists of planning our events and developing fun ways to connect creative college students, recent grads, and professionals.
College/Major: Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in Design from Hofstra University
Website: nycreativeinterns.com
Twitter Handle: twitter.com/emilymiethner
Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Emily Miethner: I spend a lot of time creating content for and planning our workshops, parties, and events. This involves coming up with great topics, like “Start Something: Why Every Creative Needs to be an Entrepreneur,” and recruiting amazing professionals to speak, like Lauren Leto, Co-Founder of Texts Last Night and Laurel Touby, Founder of Mediabistro.
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
EM: I had an amazing first job as the social media marketing coordinator at Sterling Publishing. My experience was a lot different than most, because I came in as an “expert” and for a long time didn’t have much guidance; I was the only person working with social media (but I loved it). I learned a ton by doing and had incredible support from mentors and my department.
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
EM: It’s hard to say what exactly my “industry” is. My job combines Social Media, Community Management, PR, Marketing, Design and more. I would say in general, I wish I realized earlier on how important it is to get a good amount of sleep (7-8 hours). With the right amount of sleep you’ll get more quality work done, faster. I promise.
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HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
EM: That is a hard question because I have so many amazing mentors and supporters in my life (including my parents). I would have to say my new media professor, Tom Klinkowstein. He showed me the value of social media before it blew up and always stressed the importance of meeting new people and has connected me with tons of cool folks. He also sort of predicted my future. In our last meeting at Hofstra he said that he was sure once I graduated I’d be working hard on multiple projects, which is true. I run NY Creative Interns in addition to my full time job as Community Manager at RecordSetter.com.
HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
EM: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I think it’s really important to work and play with people who inspire and motivate you to be better.
HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
EM: I’ve definitely made lots of mistakes along the way, so it’s hard to pick one. I’d say in general I have a hard time dealing with money. I have to constantly remind myself that what we’re doing is valuable and we shouldn’t undersell ourselves.
HC: What is the best part of your job?
EM: I love seeing everyone mingling, chatting, and exchanging contact information at our events. Seeing those relationships continue online and at future events is the best feeling in the world.
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
EM: That they know lots and lots about the company and position they are applying for. You’d be surprised how many people don’t include the name of the company they are applying for in their cover letter. How am I supposed to know you’re even talking about us? I want to know you’re applying because you’re really interested in what we’re doing, not just in getting a job.
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
EM: Start talking to people about what you’re passionate about and what you want to do right away. When you’re done talking to them, ask them who else you should talk to. Listen hard and well to those people, but remember to balance advice with what you know in your gut. And always be smiling.
Photo credit: http://www.linkedin.com/